Uganda national under-17 football team (the Cubs) World Cup dream started off on a wrong note with a 1-0 defeat to Angola on Sunday in the 2019 Total Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.
Osvaldo Pedro Capemba’s first half strike in the 32nd minute was enough for the Love Cabungula coached side to thrash Cubs in a half that was totally dominated by Angola at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
The Cubs showed signs of desperation before and after they conceded yet their counterparts didn’t show any kind of ‘we must win no matter what.’
The Cubs though will have Jack Komakech to thank for keeping them in the game for long spells especially second half.
The Samuel Kwesi coached side also had several attempts but Angola was eager and ready to defend their lead which eventually won them three points.
Uganda entered the game looking for three points but it reached an extent where even a point was enough for them.
However, even their optimism for a point was cut short after Ibrahim Juma was sent off two minutes to full time.
Uganda’s chances of qualifying to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup have now suffered a setback.
They now need to win their remaining two games in order to make it to the semifinals of the tournament which also books them a ticket to Brazil for the World Cup.
Uganda’s two remaining games are against hosts Tanzania and table leaders Nigeria on April 17th and 20th respectively.
Meanwhile, Angola have increased their 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification chances with that win.
They are now joint table leaders with Nigeria on three points, both teams need a win each from their remaining fixtures to advance.
